In December, Ronda changes pace. Christmas lights, craft markets and the winter cooking of the Serranía make the town a perfect destination for a weekend getaway: strolling through the old town at dusk, buying local produce, lingering over a meal and ending the trip with a visit to a winery surrounded by vineyards.
The exact programme changes from year to year, but December usually brings activities for all ages: markets, children’s workshops, concerts and cultural events. Before travelling, it is worth checking the updated Christmas calendar to plan dates and times.
Lights and festive atmosphere
The switching on of the lights marks the start of Christmas in many Andalusian towns, and they usually stay up from late November until early January. In Ronda, the illuminated streets, decorated squares and the atmosphere of the old town turn a simple walk into one of the best plans of the season.
The best way to enjoy it is to walk around the centre at dusk. A good route starts in Plaza del Socorro, continues along the shopping streets and ends at one of the viewpoints over the Tajo gorge. The winter light over the Serranía and the calm streets do the rest.
Markets and local shopping
Christmas markets are one of the most popular things to do in December. Craft and local produce stalls are the ideal place to find gifts with real character and to see the work of local artisans up close.
Shops in the centre complete the offer with gourmet products, ceramics, textiles, sweets, olive oils, cheeses and wines from the Serranía. Buying from local businesses is also the best way to take home an authentic souvenir of your trip.
Ideas for an afternoon of shopping
A good shopping afternoon starts in the old town and its shopping streets, with a stop at the craft markets held in December. It is the moment to look for local products such as olive oil, cheeses, cured meats, sweets or wine, and to set aside some time for a break in a café or tapas bar. To save time, check the opening hours and location of the markets beforehand.
Winter food
Christmas is a great time to discover the cooking of the Serranía. Stews, meats, cheeses, cured meats and traditional sweets are especially welcome in the cool December weather.
Ronda and the nearby villages are full of places that combine traditional recipes with seasonal produce. On a weekend getaway it is worth booking at least one lunch or dinner and leaving room to try something local, such as a regional wine or a Christmas dessert.
Plans for the whole family
Ronda’s Christmas programme usually includes activities for children and families, as well as concerts, workshops and cultural visits in different venues around town.
To plan the trip, it is best to check the events calendar a few days in advance and combine the best-known plans with quieter ones that suit each family’s pace.
A two-day getaway
Day 1: Ronda and the Christmas atmosphere
Spend the morning walking around the old town and visiting the Puente Nuevo, then have lunch in the centre. In the afternoon it is time to enjoy the lights and the Christmas markets, and the day ends with dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.
Day 2: the Serranía and wine tourism
After a relaxed breakfast in Ronda, the second day is perfect for heading out into the Serranía on a route through one of its villages or the Genal Valley. At midday, a visit to Doña Felisa Winery at Chinchilla Farm or Amaya Vineyard rounds things off with a wine tasting before returning to Ronda.
A winery visit to end the getaway
If you would like to visit a winery in Ronda over the holidays, Doña Felisa Winery offers guided visits with wine tasting at its two estates. It is the perfect way to end a Christmas getaway with a relaxed activity among the vineyards, with the Serranía landscape as a backdrop.
The Christmas period is very busy, so it is a good idea to book your visit in advance and check the available times.
